Big birthday parties have been on hold the last couple of years, and little ones have waited patiently (or not so patiently) for a big birthday bash, so it's worth the splurge to make this year's birthday a party like no other. However, we're still concerned with keeping things safe with smaller parties and mostly outdoor gatherings. How can you make a smaller, outdoor party feel super special for your preschooler's big day? It's Mickey Mouse to the rescue, with a new party that combines the magic of Disneyland and a private gathering for friends and family.

Disneyland's newest birthday experience is an exclusive party for kids and their crews in Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown. Round up the guest of honor and a few favorite friends and family members for a party filled with sweets, surprises, and a professional photographer to capture all the best moments. Read on for the scoop on this new birthday party at Disneyland that kids will never forget.

New Yorkers just experienced their first significant snowfall to jumpstart the new year, and we have an entire season of cold weather days ahead of us. With temperatures hitting single digits and the luster of awesome holiday gifts wearing off, you're probably thinking about ways to keep your kids busy from now until spring without breaking the bank or losing your sanity. Fortunately, whether you're a resident or just visiting the city that never sleeps, there's no shortage of free things to do in NYC this winter.

In fact, we've found 25 free things to do in NYC, and there's truly something for everyone on our list of freebies, from exploring nature and outdoor family fun while kick-starting healthier habits to festive celebrations of the Lunar New Year, interactive and creative art installations, and activities that encourage future activists and celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. These engaging experiences don't cost a thing, and we've even found a collection of cool things to do indoors, too!

Visiting the park with a toddler can be both a blessing and a curse. While a trip to a playground may be great for helping toddlers burn off some of their endless energy, playground sets can pose dangers to fearless toddlers. That's why parents of toddlers absolutely love finding a park with the holy grail of little kid park features: a toddler-sized playset, swings with leg holes and backs, soft ground for new walkers, etc. There are many great parks in Houston, but the list below features parks with plenty of options for parents who want to take their kids to the park and know that their toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy park equipment meant just for them.

Finding bliss and relaxation on vacation is so much easier when the kiddos are happy. Whether you're looking for a hotel in Los Angeles because you're vacationing, housing out-of-town guests, or indulging in a staycation—here are our picks for the best hotels in Los Angeles that cater to the smallest guests. These kid-friendly resorts offer a little slice of paradise, family-friendly amenities, and unique experiences that might make you want to ditch any thoughts of other destinations and spend every weekend in SoCal. The best part is watching the kids have a blast, too.

If you're looking for other cool sleeping options near Los Angeles, we've got the Coolest California Vacation Rentals for Families, the Best Campgrounds near Los Angeles, and more in our Los Angeles Weekend Getaway Guide.

Ready to send your little one off to preschool? There are plenty of options throughout Westchester—from cities and towns with universal pre-K programs to nature preschools and half-day cooperative nursery schools. If you're looking for a school that offers longer hours to accommodate your schedule, we've rounded up preschools that offer full-day sessions.

While there are many preschools that offer add-on programs outside of their core morning or afternoon hours (including, for example, early drop-off or extended day), the schools on this list all have core full-day options, many of which include early morning drop-off and early evening pick-up options.

For even more options, check out our Preschools Guide for Westchester Kids. 

Boston winters are long and cold—no doubt. But a surefire (and blessedly simple) way to shake off a case of cabin fever is to bundle up and head outside for a winter hike or walk. From the heart of the city to the hilly suburbs, Massachusetts boasts many paved or wooded trails that are as majestic in winter as they are in spring or summer, whether dusted or just swept bare by the elements.

If Mother Nature delivers more than a few inches of snow, consider trying out one of the places to snowshoe with kids around Boston instead. Kiddos feeling lazy? A stop at a Boston cafe with great hot cocoa or the promise of a homemade hot chocolate bomb treat to follow your outing is sure to sweeten the deal.

Many ski mountains want to attract families, but Keystone Resort in Colorado is raising the bar for family ski resorts with more amenities, perks, and free skiing for kids.

One of the closest ski towns to Denver airport, Keystone does all it can to make itself a fun and family-friendly destination. On top of conveniences like ski-in/ski-out condo accommodations and wagons for hauling all that gear, Keystone has a full lineup of children's programming to keep kids entertained on and off the mountain, plus special perks like an express family gondola line and free family parking. And, perhaps best of all, kids 12 and under ski free.

About 75 miles west of Denver and a roughly two-hour drive, I visited Keystone Resort to check it out. Here are the top things that make Keystone one of the most family-friendly Colorado ski resorts. For more kid-friendly ski resorts, check out our Skiing, Snowboarding, & Snow Sports Guide for families.

Offering a day out for the family that is sure to wear them out tastefully, Cold Spring  lends a view of the Hudson, a Main Street full of shops and eateries, and plenty of history. The collection of shops on Main Street are some of the best, most eclectic little stores to visit in the Hudson Valley, each standing alone and offering something unique from the one next door.

This charming town is surrounded by farms, nature trails, and adventures on the water. In short, it's one of our favorite Hudson Valley destinations.

Read on for 25 family-friendly things to do in this local haunt, and find more things to do nearby in our Guide to the Hudson Valley.